Learn about the Allegheny County Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) Permanent Supportive Housing Project (PSH) developed as part of their Housing as Home Plan, for people with mental illness and co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse.
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How Is Someone Referred To The Permanent Supportive Housing Project?
Individuals may be referred to the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Project by completing an Initial Services Referral. The Initial Services Referral Form (download below) may be completed by the individual themselves or by a mental health professional who works with them. The referral can be sent to the Clearinghouse Manager by fax or mail, using the contact information on the form.
To download and view the Initial Services Referral Form you will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. You can download this software for free HERE.
Download the Initial Services Referral Form HERE
Who Is Eligible For The Permanent Supportive Housing Project?
In order to be eligible for the project, a person must be a "priority consumer" as defined by Allegheny County’s Office of Behavioral Health. A priority consumer is defined as someone who:
- Is 18 years of age or older
- Has been diagnosed as having a serious and persistent mental illness or co-occurringdisorder
- Is a current resident of Allegheny County, has a history of residence in last 5 years or has significant ties to Allegheny County that justify re-establishing residence in the area AND
- Is currently residing in or about to be discharged from one of the following settings:
- State Hospital (Mayview or Torrance)
- Long Term Supported Residential Units (LTSR)
- Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) Programs
- Community Hospital Inpatient Mental Health Unit (IPMH), if the person is listed as a State Mental Hospital diversion for whom housing is the primary obstacle from discharge from the community IPMH unit.
- Other OBH-funded residential program with 24-hour staffing
How Will I Be Informed Of The Outcome Of My Referral?
The Clearinghouse Manager will determine by use of the form and criteria, if the person is a priority consumer as defined by Allegheny County and is eligible for services. If the individual meets the eligibility criteria, the Clearinghouse Manager will notify that candidate (and the referral source if other than the person) by letter. Sometimes, the Clearinghouse Manager may need more information to determine eligibility or plan services. This information may include: confirmation of psychiatric diagnosis completed by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional and/or proof of income. Awaiting documentation will not impede the referral process. The Clearinghouse Manager will contact the person or the referral source (if other than the person) by phone to schedule an intake interview. The interview helps the individual and TSI staff in planning services.
After completion of the intake interview, the Clearinghouse Manager will coordinate an admission meeting with the Housing Support Team supervisor, a Housing Support Specialist and the individual. This usually happens on the same day.